At some point early in the 2023 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders will target a cornerback and an offensive lineman. Perhaps, the Commanders land one in the first round and the other in the third round, but you can almost guarantee Washington lands one at each position.
Judging by Washington’s number of visits, whether it was at the Senior Bowl, NFL combine, or top 30 visits to Ashburn, they are heavy on cornerbacks and offensive linemen.
On Thursday, the Commanders hosted a pair of players who are expected to be first-round picks later in this month’s draft. Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence and Alabama defensive back Brian Branch were in Ashburn on top 30 visits. Both players should be available at No. 16 or if the Commanders trade back a few picks in the first round.
Washington added veteran offensive linemen Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates, but neither present the level of upside as Torrence. Torrence is big and can move and would start immediately if he’s Washington’s pick.
Alabama DB Brian Branch and Florida IOL O’Cyrus Torrence both visited the Commanders today, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 6, 2023
Branch offers the position flex head coach Ron Rivera loves. While he doesn’t have the upside of Devon Witherspoon, Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr., he’s the type of player who can help somewhere in the secondary on day one.
We will continue to monitor Washington’s visits over the next couple of weeks.
